Walmart Donation Funds UWG Economic Education Workshop

A recent $25,000 donation from Walmart is supporting a new program to reach out to
high school and middle school educators hosted by the Center for Economic Education
(CEE) – a cooperative venture of the Richards College of Business and the College
of Education at the University of West Georgia (UWG).

The workshops held throughout Georgia allow teachers to learn more about a new virtual
tool called “Econmentor.” The Econmentor website will assist teachers and offer them
access to instructional materials, like AP economics course outlines, study tools,
and learning games – like the Stock Market Game – to engage students.

"The Center for Economics Education at the University of West Georgia is so grateful
to the Walmart Foundation for the grant they provided,” said Dr. Leland Gustafson,
director of the CEE. “This grant is providing the funds to share with Georgia public
and private school teachers an online test bank and review of economics questions,
which will provide a free and convenient way to review their understanding of economic
concepts."

The first workshop of the series – held recently in Atlanta – was attended by five
award-winning educators who teach general economics. The teachers were very excited
about the opportunity to learn more about the Econmentor website and its applications.

“Econmentor is the brainchild of Dr. Bashu Dutt, professor of economics at UWG,” said
Economics Department Chair Joey Smith. “The Walmart grant has provided Dr. Dutt the
opportunity to work with some of the most talented k-12 teachers in the state, to
develop workshops, and to further refine Econmentor into a tool that will enhance
Georgia k-12 students' ability to practice, learn, and master economic concepts important
in state learning standards and in life.”

Through the donation, the workshop and program access will be offered at no cost to
educators throughout the area and will target rural and underserved populations. Through
these workshops, educators will learn new skills and gain a new understanding of economics
that CEE hopes will result in an increase in test scores.

“Walmart is excited to continue supporting the university and offering the areas we
serve an opportunity to benefit from this unique educational platform,” said Glen
Wilkins, director of public affairs and government relations at Walmart. “Our company
remains committed to advancing educational programs designed to reach underserved
students and teachers who want to make a positive impact in their communities.”

CEE’s goal is to help instructors teach economics to students in public and independent
schools in Georgia. The center is one of 12 in Georgia and is focused on helping schools
prepare students for their economic roles as workers, consumers, and citizens. CEE
uses a variety of workshops and maintains contact with public and private schools
in the west Georgia area. The center also holds an Annual Federal Reserve day, where
Federal Reserve bank officers visit the UWG campus for a day and speak to classes
and civic clubs.

This donation is just another example of how UWG colleges are working together to
further students’ education, as well as the excellent partnership that the university
has with local economic leaders like Walmart.

Walmart serves as the partner of the annual Women’s Empowerment Panel, now in its
second year; Jason May, the assistant general manager at Walmart.com eCommerce Fulfillment,
serves on the Richards College Advisory Board; and Jermaine Jackson, talent development
manager - supply chain, e-Commerce Logistics - West Business Unit, has been an integral
part of the ENACTUS program’s success.

The contribution to the UWG Foundation was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s
Georgia’s SGP. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations
that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation SGP strives
to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the
U.S. In the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $54
million in cash and in-kind contributions throughout the state of Georgia.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications
through the Walmart Foundation SGP’s online grant application. Eligible applicants
must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum
funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and
application process are available online at http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/state-giving.